Trees close to a new car park in Dorset have been 'intentionally damaged.'

Damage has been caused to two trees on the banks between the new car park at the former council offices at North Quay in Weymouth and the road between it.

Dorset Echo: One of the saplings appears to have been cut down from its position to the post, whilst another looks to have no leaves on it. It is believed that the trees were planted recently, around the time that the car park was first opened to the public. Around 10 new saplings were planted around the site.

Dorset Echo: It is believed that the vandalism took place over the weekend between Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19- around a week after the site had officially opened to members of the public. Dorset Council say they intend to replant the saplings on the site will be replaced as soon as possible. 

Dorset Echo: As well as this vandalism, part of the wooden barriers surrounding the car park has been damaged, with what appears to be duct tape used to repair the damage. It is not yet known if these incidents are related. 

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “We can confirm that two of the saplings we planted at North Quay were intentionally damaged over the weekend by a member of the public. This is very frustrating but we're looking into replacing them as soon as we can.”

The car park was opened on Friday, May 10 and offers 42 additional spaces following the demolition of the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council offices over the winter. It has proved to be popular with locals due to its price. It could be open for up to three years, according to a local developer. The former council building was left derelict since 2017 with the demolition not beginning until December of last year, following an archaeological dig at the site.

A small part of the car park will remain closed off until July for contractors working to rebuild the harbour wall.